Associated British Ports (ABP) has initiated the first phase of development for the ABP Solent Gateway at the Port of Marchwood.
Sir Julian Lewis, UK’s Member of Parliament for New Forest East, officially launched the construction of the 85,000m² site, joined by representatives from Hampshire County Council, including Leader Cllr Rob Humby, New Forest District Council, the Solent Freeport, and various UK Government departments.
“This multi-million-pound investment is key to realising the potential of the Port of Marchwood both as a thriving port and to support our armed forces. It adds much-needed additional port capacity to the Solent region. The development has gone through a rigorous Planning Approval process and is designed with significant features to benefit the local community and the environment,” stated Richard Parkinson, director of Marchwood Port.
This development, supported by a GB£25 million (US$31 million) investment for its initial phase, aims to enhance both landside and marine facilities, reinforcing the Solent’s status as a prominent trade gateway while expanding the port’s capacity to assist MOD operations.
“The Solent is a leading gateway for the UK to connect with the world and the UK’s #1 port for deep-sea trade. Developing this connectivity is key to the success of the UK economy as a whole. Specifically, the 115,000 jobs and £8bn of value ABP’s regional activities, including ABP Solent Gateway, supports,” commentedAlastair Welch, ABP’s regional director for its Solent activities.
The on-site enhancements include the creation of an ecological buffer along the port boundary to enhance visual aesthetics for local residential areas and promote wildlife attraction to the site. Plans also include pedestrian and cycle access routes connecting the port to Marchwood Village.
Moreover, with a new site entrance within the port boundary and enhanced vehicle management, congestion outside the port is expected to decrease. Additionally, over 243,000m² of biodiversity habitat will be established off-site as part of this initiative.
“After years of careful planning, today marks an exciting – indeed, groundbreaking – new stage in the evolution of ABP Solent Gateway at Marchwood Port. With its rich heritage as an embarkation point for D-Day, 80 years ago, and its unique current status as the UK Armed Forces’ sea mounting centre, Marchwood Port will benefit and thrive in both its military and commercial roles, as a result of this ambitious upgrading of its facilities. As part of the future Freeport, the modernised site will undoubtedly play a vital part in the complex mix of environmentally sensitive and economically valuable locations, here on the Waterside,” said Sir Julian Lewis.
